Overview
The Bible addresses frugality across 10 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in 1 Kings, Proverbs and Mark. Closely related themes include Readings, Select, Widows, Zarephath and Cherith. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Elijah.
Key Bible verses about frugality
Old Testament
1 Kings
So he went and did according unto the word of the LORD: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.
And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook.
So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman was there gathering of sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.
And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, and said, Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand.
And she said, As the LORD thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.
And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son.
People in the Bible and frugality
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying frugality for yourself
- Begin with 1 Kings 17:5, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how 1 Kings, Proverbs and Mark each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Elijah and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Readings, Select, Widows, Zarephath and Cherith.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about frugality?
The Bible addresses frugality across 10 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in 1 Kings, Proverbs and Mark. Closely related themes include Readings, Select, Widows, Zarephath and Cherith. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Elijah.
How many Bible verses are about frugality?
The Bible references frugality in 10 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention frugality?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is 1 Kings 17:5: “So he went and did according unto the word of the LORD: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.”
Which people in the Bible are associated with frugality?
Elijah.
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